Dental Implants

Anyone with one or more missing teeth knows how hard it can be to eat, speak, and smile comfortably.

Dental implant-supported restorations can replace missing teeth from the root to the chewing surface for excellent stability and function.

Dr. Nick Pournaras provides beautiful, functional dental implants and restorations for patients throughout Cayce and Columbia, SC.

What Is an Implant?

Dental implants are posts placed in the jaw to replace lost tooth roots and support dental restorations. This dentistry solution provides two unique benefits:

Dental implants make your crowns, bridges, and dentures as stable as natural teeth.
Dental implants are the only restorative option that can stop the jaw from receding after tooth loss.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

An implant-supported restoration consists of three parts that work together to entirely replace a missing tooth:

Implant

A dental implant itself is a small titanium screw-like device anchored into the jawbone to support a restoration.

Abutment

An abutment serves as the connection between an implant and restoration. Like implants, abutments are made of durable titanium and designed for long-lasting security.

Restoration

A restoration is a dental crown, bridge, or denture crafted to closely resemble and function like a natural tooth or teeth. It firmly attaches to the abutment.

What Types of Tooth Loss Can Implants Treat?

Dental implants can benefit patients with all types of tooth loss:

One Missing Tooth

Patients who are missing just one tooth can benefit from an implant-supported crown. Implant-supported crowns fill the gap in your smile and support the health of your jawbone. This single-tooth solution allows you to avoid altering nearby healthy teeth, a step required for a traditional bridge.

Explore Crowns

Multiple Missing Teeth

An implant-supported bridge may be the right choice for patients who are missing two or more consecutive teeth. Like implant crowns, implant bridges do not require alteration of nearby healthy teeth.

Explore Bridges

Full-Arch Replacement

Patients with significant tooth loss can benefit from an implant-supported denture as a much more stable alternative to traditional removable dentures. We can use the All-on-4 dental implant system to restore a full arch of teeth using only four precisely placed implants.

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Ready to Get Rid of Unreliable Dentures?

Many adults deal with the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional dentures for years before learning about the benefits of implant-supported dentures. Here are some top reasons why our Cayce and Columba, SC, patients decide to leave their traditional dentures behind and rejuvenate their smiles with dental implants:

A Partnership Rooted in Excellence

One of the reasons Dr. Nick stands out among dentists in the Columbia, SC, area is his close working relationship with Wayne Payne, a master ceramist. With 45 years of experience leading Payne Dental Lab, Inc., Wayne creates customized restorations with a focus on functional aesthetics, so you can expect that your dental work is both strong and beautiful. Working closely with a master ceramist allows us to give you your dental restorations in only three to five weeks. Visit our Master Ceramist page to learn more about his expertise and process.

Trust Your Smile to Leaders in the Field Get Started by Contacting Our Dentist Today

Dr. Nick and Wayne consistently exceed our patients' expectations with their restorative work. If you are interested in experiencing the many benefits of dental implants and having a beautiful, natural-looking smile again, we invite you to learn more about how these partners can realize your goals. To book a consultation with our dentist, reach out online or call us at:

(803) 888-6504

Questions? Message our team.

"The absolute best dentist office I’ve ever visited." Read What Patients Have to Say About Our Passion for Dentistry

There'll are very friendly, Dr. NICK is knowledgeable and a great dentist. The entire experience has been enjoyable , especially for a Dentist visit.

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The absolute best dentist office I’ve ever visited. Such a nice staff and comforting atmosphere. Would recommend to all my family and friends.

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Are You a Candidate for a Dental Implant?

In order to qualify for implant treatment, you must have:

Good jawbone density

Leaving tooth loss unaddressed for an extended period of time can result in jawbone atrophy that eventually renders the area unable to support a dental implant. However, patients with jawbone degradation may still be candidates after undergoing bone grafting, a process of adding donor tissue to replace recessed tissue. We also offer mini dental implants, which require less supportive bone tissue than traditional implants.

One or more missing teeth

Dental implants can be used to correct many levels of tooth loss. Whether you are missing one tooth or an entire row, Dr. Nick and the Columbia Smiles team can restore the appearance and strength of your smile with implants.

No Other Oral Health Issues or Serious Overall Health Problems

Gum disease can weaken overall dental health and increase the risk of implant failure. You must also be free of tooth decay. Generally speaking, candidates must be healthy enough to undergo minor surgery. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can disqualify you from this option.

Mini Dental Implants

In addition to traditional dental implants, we can also restore mini implants for patients who are missing teeth in the Columbia, SC, area. Find out why mini dental implants might be the restorative solution for you:

Expanded candidacy

Dental implants are able to provide such exceptional support due to osseointegration, a process in which the titanium implant fuses with the jawbone over a period of three to six months. Mini implants require less bone tissue for fusion, so patients who have been told they are not candidates for traditional dental implants due to poor jawbone density may still qualify for mini implant treatment.

Fewer appointments, quicker recovery

Mini implants can support a crown, bridge, or denture right away, so you can begin enjoying the benefits of your implant-supported restorations immediately, rather than having to wait for osseointegration to run its course.

An affordable alternative

Because mini dental implants involve fewer materials and appointments, you can expect to pay less for this dentistry solution than you would for traditional dental implants.

The Cost of Implant Treatment

Because there are so many variables in this treatment, such as the number of implants placed and the type of restorations they will support, the cost can vary dramatically. It's important to understand that although insurance generally contributes to the cost of restorations, basic insurance plans do not cover the cost of dental implants. During your consultation, our staff can speak with you to help find a way to make this treatment a comfortable fit for your budget. One option is financing through CareCredit®, a healthcare lender that offers low- and no-interest loans to help you manage the cost of your treatment.

Nervous About Treatment? We Offer Sedation

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Dental implant surgery can sound daunting to many. To help patients relax and make the process more comfortable, our Columbia dental office offers both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Upon request, we can also work with a third party to offer general anesthesia to our implant patients.